“We have a lot of folks that work with each other and both groups are very supportive of their programs,” Houseright said.

“People talk football year-round, go to this game and then go back to work with one another. It makes it more fun.”

The Rebels’ offense is a conversation-starter. Quarterback Dylan Wieger and a flock of pass catchers have kept South’s passing reputation alive and well. Running back Blake Christian — who has rocketed off for more than 400 yards in three games — has tongues wagging about a breakout season in progress.

Another subject for discussion: the Rebels held Happy Valley to 24 yards total offense last week in a crushing 41-0 win.

“We take pride in that,” said South coach Sam Haynie, whose team blanked Gate City 49-0 last year. “Our defensive coaches do a good job teaching techniques and fundamentals. We’re starting to get a little swagger on defense.”

“We’re playing with quite a bit of passion and quite a bit of motor. I’d like to see us be a little more physical,” Houseright said. “South is a big challenge for us, We’re going to have to go out and play.”

Union coach Travis Turner knew about football teams like Norris’ Golden Raiders long before last year’s 41-17 loss to North.

“Watching North on film, they kind of remind me of an old Southwest Virginia team back in the 1990s,” said Turner, who played on one of them.

“They’re happy to gain three or four yards a carry. Their trick play is probably the counter-trap,” joked the Bears coach, who assesses the Raiders’ ground game — led by running back Jacob Jasper — as no laughing matter.

The Bears would be the last team to make light of North’s ball control tendencies. Union likes to cram RBs Mekyah Davis and Jake McCray down opponents’ throats whenever possible. But QB Tanner Hall surprised Richlands last week with 174 passing yards; 112 yards of it (and two scoring receptions) went to long-armed sophomore Jay Gavin.

“They are a much-improved team. They’ve got a lot of team speed. They run the old Dead-T, belly, kick-out, the leads — all the Tom Turner and Harry Fry stuff,” said Norris. “And then they’ll switch gears and go spread. They’re good at both things.”

Over at the two Bristols, another interstate rivalry is slated to erupt when Tennessee High (1-1) heads across town to take on Virginia High (1-1) at Gene Malcolm Stadium.